Roger Kay Hansen

Our hearts are heavy with the passing of Roger Kay Hansen,78, on April 29, 2014 in Riverton, Utah. He was born May 7, 1935 in Mayfield, Utah to Dallas and Meryle Willardson Bird. He was later raised by his mother and step-father, Wesley Hansen.

Roger graduated from Manti High School where he played baseball and basketball. After that, he honorably served in the U.S. Army for 2 years. Later, he attended and played baseball at Snow College. Roger went on to graduate from Utah State University which is also where he met his first wife, Carolin "Curly" Pearson, who preceded him in death. They raised sons: Derek K. (Sheri), Darin D. ( Sharon), and Roger B. (Andrea). His grandchildren are: Tyler, Jordan, Alex, Bailey, Riley, Chandler and Hailey. He later married Marjorie White.

Roger’s achievements include co-founder and partner of Pearson Enterprises and former president of the National Hotel/Motel Association and the Utah Hotel/Motel Association, and prior board member of the Utah Stars. Roger was an avid supporter of the Utah Jazz and the University of Utah basketball program. He was a founding member of the U of U Out Of Bounders Club. Founder and owner of Hidden Peaks Coffee & Roasting Co. where he loved working daily with his son Derek and grandson Tyler. Interests include hunting, flying his plane, boating at Lake Powell and riding his numerous Harley motorcycles. He also enjoyed tennis, golf, photography and snowmobiling. Roger developed many friendships which he gained from his variety of interests. His buddies were his brothers for life. He was a loving father and grandpa and will be missed tremendously.

Roger was a testament to the human spirit overcoming insurmountable odds and was a fighter to the end with a heart as big as Texas.

Roger is survived by his wife, children and grandchildren; also his brothers, Val and Keith; sister, Pauline. He leaves behind a large, loving extended family.

The family would like to thank Brooke Mena and all the staff at Rocky Mountain Care Center and Hospice for their tender loving care and allowing Roger to fight to the end with humor and dignity. We would also like to express our gratitude for the love and support of Roger’s many friends and relatives.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 3, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. in the Jenkins-Soffe Funeral Home, 1007 West South Jordan Parkway (10600 South) in South Jordan, Utah, where friends may call Friday from 6-8 p.m. and Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Burial will be at 3:00 p.m. in the Mayfield Utah Cemetery with military rites by the Centerfield American Legion Post #105 and Utah Honor Guard. Roger’s son Darin will lead a ride to Mayfield. All those interested are invited to join him.

Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guestbook at www.maglebymortuary.com